To clarify (once again) if renewing your SEP 'by experience' (revalidating) then the flight with an Instructor' may take place any time in the closing 12 months of validity. The signature from the examiner may occur at any point in the closing 3 months of validity without any loss of validity period (the date will run from the expiry of your LPC.
If you have achieved all of the required bits and bobs and you fail to get your license signed then you will have 'lapsed' and you will have to complete a LPC (proficiency check) with an examiner, not to be confused with the far more extensive GFT that you did at the end of your course.
In summary: If you have completed your 12 hours (of which must be in the closing 12 month period!!!) and you are now in your second 12 months then sort out a flight with an instructor - as soon as the closing 3 months begins, get your license signed too. Don't delay, there is absolutely nothing to gain by it. Also, remember to take both your logbook and license to the examiner
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